Martinez family welcomes DOJ ruling vs Baron Geisler

MANILA, Philippines - Celebrity couple William Martinez and Ma. Rosario “Yayo" Aguila heaved a sigh Tuesday after the Justice department sided with their daughter’s complaint and recommended the filing of charges against actor Baron Geisler. In a text message to GMA News, Yayo expressed appreciation that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has paved the way for her daughter Patrizha Maree’s complaint to be heard in court. “William and I have always believed in our justice system. We are happy that finally our daughter’s case will be heard in court," Yayo said. The DOJ on Tuesday approved the filing of charges against Geisler before a Makati court, adding that it expects the court to issue an arrest warrant to the embattled actor. The DOJ had recommended a P12,000 bail for Geisler’s freedom. For his part, the complainant’s legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, said regardless if the actor gets sent behind bars or not, Geisler’s reputation had already been tarnished throughout the course of the legal battle. “Makulong man o hindi… Malaking bahid na iyon sa karanglan niya (Whether he gets imprisoned or not, his reputation has already been tarnished)," Panelo said. “Dapat matuto na siya at magpakabuti na siya (He should learn his lesson and become good already)." Right from the start, Panelo had been expressing their confidence about winning the case at the Justice department, stressing that interviews with Geisler over the radio and television had proven the actor was a “liar." Geisler is being accused of fondling and grabbing the complainant’s breasts during a party at the Fiamma Bar in Makati City last April 25. Geisler has denied the accusation. The Martinez family has since filed the case of acts of lasciviousness, seeking P5 million in damages. Yayo, in her sworn affidavit, backed up her claim against Geisler by citing an incident where he allegedly made lewd advances on her during the two’s brief stint at a reality-based program on television last year. In his countersuit, Geisler slapped perjury charges against Mrs. Martinez for narrating the bar incident when she herself was not there at that time. He also branded as mere interpretations Yayo’s claim that she was disrespected when Geisler tried kissing her during the reality-based program. - with Carlo Lorenzo, GMANews.TV